Best Places to Visit in Xianyang: Ancient Tombs & Local Eats

Standing in front of Qianling's "Characterless Stele", a British tourist asked me why that stone is blank. I didn't have a clear answer, and neither do historians. That's the beauty of Xianyang — it's a place that raises questions instead of answering them.

Most visitors to China skip this city entirely, which means the best places to visit in Xianyang are blissfully uncrowded. It's only 30 minutes from Xi'an, but the guidebooks push you toward the Terracotta Warriors and the city walls. I've been guiding travelers here for years, and Xianyang always surprises them. It's packed with imperial tombs, raw history, and street food that rivals Xi'an's Muslim Quarter.

Here's the bottom line: Xianyang deserves a full day. Go on a weekday to avoid domestic crowds. Start at Han Yangling's underground museum, then visit the massive Qianling and Maoling mausoleums, and finish with local noodles in the city center. Book trains in advance on 12306.cn, and don't rely on Google Maps — use Apple Maps or AMap.

Why Xianyang Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary

Xianyang was the capital of the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE), the first unified empire in Chinese history. Today it's a sleepy industrial city, but the surrounding fields hide the tombs of emperors and aristocrats. Compared to Xi'an's reconstructed walls, Xianyang offers raw, unpolished history — you'll often have entire sites almost to yourself.

The practical bonus: Xianyang is remarkably easy to reach. High-speed trains from Xi'an North Station pull into Xianyang Qindu Station in just 15 minutes. The ticket costs around 10–20 RMB. From there, taxis are affordable, and major tombs are spread out so you can enjoy the countryside.

I always tell my clients to spend one day in Xianyang, not because there's a shortage of things to see, but because the quality of experience beats the crowded Xi'an sites. And here's the catch — most international tourists never learn this, which is exactly why you should go now.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Xianyang

Let's break down the must-see spots. I've ranked them by historical significance and overall impact.

Pro Tip: These fees change regularly, so always confirm on the official WeChat account or Trip.com before you go. For foreign visitors, buying tickets online is tricky due to the Chinese ID requirement — but Trip.com handles it seamlessly.

1. Qianling Mausoleum

This is the only married-couple imperial tomb in China, and it's the crown jewel of Xianyang. Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian rest here, and the famous Characterless Stele has stood blank for 1,300 years. Archaeologists still can't agree on why.

What to do: Walk the 800-metre Spirit Way, check the 61 foreign envoys' statues (headless, which adds to the mystery), and climb to the burial mound for a panoramic view. It's a real workout — wear sturdy shoes.

• Address: Liangshan, Qian County, Xianyang
• Opening hours: 8:00–18:00 (summer), last ticket at 17:00
• Best time to visit: Early morning. By 10 AM, tour buses roll in and the spire fills with crowds.
• Foreigner tip: Carry your passport for ticket purchase on-site.

2. Maoling Mausoleum

Maoling is the tomb of Emperor Wu (Han dynasty), the ruler who expanded China's borders. The site includes Ho Qubing's tomb, famous for the "Horse Trampling a Xiongnu Warrior" stone sculpture — a masterpiece of ancient art.

I was surprised by how few people come here. The atmosphere is contemplative. You can practically touch the stones that are 2,000 years old.

• Address: Maoling, Xingping, Xianyang
• How to get here: Taxi from Xianyang city (40 RMB) or combination of bus + taxi.
• Don't miss: The stone sculptures are unenclosed, so you can see them up close — but respectfully.

3. Han Yangling Museum

This underground museum lets you walk on glass above genuine excavated burial pits. You'll stand over thousands of terracotta figures, animals, and chariots. It's immersive in a way the Terracotta Warriors aren't — the pits are glassed-in, not roped off.

The architecture is modern and well-kept, with English labels throughout. It's the easiest site for international visitors to navigate.

• Address: 3 East Road of Hanyangling, Weicheng District, Xianyang
• Access: Subway Line 2 to Weicheng District, then a 15-minute taxi ride.
• Tip: Combine this with a visit to Mausoleum of Emperor Jingdi if you're interested in the dig process.

4. Xianyang Museum

This small, free museum holds an impressive collection of Zhou and Qin dynasty bronzes. It's housed in a Confucian temple compound, so you get two sights in one.

Don't expect a massive institution — it's a hidden gem. You'll be done in an hour, but it's worth a stop if you're passing through the city center.

• Address: No. 53 Zhongshan Street, Weicheng District, Xianyang
• Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9:00–17:30
• Requirements: Passport required for free entry.

5. Ancient Ferry Site (Gudu Ferry)

This newly restored area along the Wei River offers a pleasant walk and a glimpse of ancient transport hubs. It's not a ruin like the tombs, but the atmosphere is lovely. I bring my clients here after lunch to digest local food.

There are bronze statues of Qin soldiers, a small museum, and walkways over the river. It's free and safe.

• Address: Riverside, Weicheng District, Xianyang
• Best time: Late afternoon for golden light.

How to Plan a Xianyang Day Trip from Xi'an

Here's the most efficient itinerary I've refined over years of guiding. It maximizes time and minimizes stress.

Morning: Han Yangling (8:30–11:30)

Take Line 2 of Xi'an Metro toward the north end (Weicheng District), about 50 minutes. Exit and take a taxi (10 min, around 20 RMB) to the museum. Alternatively, take a direct taxi from Xi'an center (about 1 hour, 100 RMB).

Lunch: Xianyang City Center (11:30–13:00)

Grab a bowl of biangbiang noodles at a local eatery. Look for the place with the most locals — it's always a good sign.

Afternoon: Maoling and Qianling (13:00–17:30)

These are south-west of Xianyang, so you'll need a taxi. The drive to Maoling is about 30 min from the city center, then 20 min more to Qianling. Budget 2 hours for each.

Evening: Return to Xi'an (17:30–18:30)

Take a taxi to Xianyang Qindu Station (40 min, 50-80 RMB), then catch a high-speed train back to Xi'an North Station (15 min, 10-20 RMB).

Insider Advice: Book your return train online or at the station early, as seats fill up during rush hour. If you miss the last train, the taxi ride back to Xi'an will cost 150-200 RMB — still doable but less pleasant.

If the weather is terrible, swap the outdoor tombs for the indoor museums. Han Yangling and Xianyang Museum are both mostly covered, so they're perfect Plan B options.

Where to Eat and Stay in Xianyang

Xianyang's food scene is underrated. You won't find tourist menus here — just honest, spicy Shaanxi dishes.

Must-Try Foods

• Biangbiang Noodles — thick, hand-pulled, often served with chili oil
• Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) — crispy pork or beef
• Liangpi (cold skin noodles) — sesame and chili on a cold dish
• Youpo chetou — a crispy fried dough, perfect for breakfast

Where to eat: Look for restaurants near the city center's pedestrian street (Zhongshan St). The exact names change, but a spot full of locals is your best bet. I've had incredible meals at places with no English menus — just point at what others are eating.

Where to Stay

Flying into Xianyang Airport? Xianyang is closer than Xi'an, so you might consider staying here your first night. Chain hotels like Hanting and 7 Days Inn are around 200-300 RMB/night.

My recommendation: For most travelers, staying in Xi'an is better for logistics, but if you want a quiet, budget-friendly base, the Weicheng District has clean options.

• For budget: Jinjiang Inn Xianyang People's Road — clean, no frills, around 150 RMB.
• For comfort: Grand Metro Park Hotel Xianyang — 500-800 RMB, close to the airport and subway.

FAQ: Xianyang Travel Questions, Answered

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.